Mar 12 Hands at work

I am my own worst critic… . At least once a day I give something away because I have come to the conclusion, “it’s not good enough…” This so easily begins to transfer onto how I view myself in that moment. When I am putting little value in my creation, I am putting less value in myself.

Last week I had to teach a class on being creative. I got asked, why I love to spend time being creative? Yes, it is my job, but that isn’t why I love it.

I don’t love baking because everything I bake is perfect, if that was true, I would be be continuously discontent in myself.

I don’t sew because I know every sewing technique and I certainly don’t paint because I capture every shadow and master every line.

I love being creative for an entirely different reason and what I am about to say has helped me to experience so much freedom and I hope it does the same for you.

I found freedom in refusing to tie my value, onto how valuable I judge the products of my work. Instead, I transferred my focus onto to the one who created me. I was reminded of my value once again. (I think I need to set reminders on my phone to do this).

I began to see, how every hour, minute and second I spend creating, my mind is more present and focused. When I was in art class in school, I was always told off for ignoring my teacher. I was totally engaged in the moment.

This is the value in the hours I spend making and creating. Time spent, engaged in a moment with the one who created me. This time allows my mind to zone out the noise and business of life, finding a moment of peace, clarity and freedom.

Creating a moment for honesty, and healing in God’s presence.

More and more, I am beginning to recognise the beauty of each moment I allow my mind to be present as my hands are occupied.

The value isn’t in the finished piece of art, baked cake, or journal sewn. The value is in the time I spend, present and focused. Great artwork takes time… but that time creates a moment; a space of reflection. Perhaps you will even find, it is in these moments your greatest handiwork is inspired.

The true art of surrendering the scattered pieces of our hearts, to be made whole again.

The masterpiece unfolding in these moments of creativity isn’t on canvas or paper, it’s you. Pieced back together in moments when your hands are busy, your heart is open and your mind made free. You are a masterpiece.

When we undervalue ourselves, we are thinking less of the one who created us, like he made a mistake. Like he forgot to erase that part of us we aren’t too keen on, and that simply isn’t possible.

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus. So we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”